News Flash
SANGSAD BHABAN, July 13, 2026 (BSS) - Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today said the government has set a target of converting at least 30 percent of the country’s road vehicles into electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030 as part of its efforts to build a sustainable and environment-friendly transport system.
He said the government has also undertaken a series of policy measures to transform public transport into cleaner-energy vehicles, reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable mobility.
The minister made the remarks while responding to a call attention notice on important public matters raised by ruling party lawmaker Shacot Ara Akter (Reserved Women’s Seat-33) in the Jatiya Sangsad.
Shaikh Rabiul Alam said greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide released from conventional vehicles, are among the major contributors to global warming. “As a result, countries around the world are increasingly promoting the use of electric vehicles in place of fossil fuel-powered transport,”
Referring to Bangladesh’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), he said the country has pledged to unconditionally reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector by 3.4 million tonnes by 2030.
“To achieve this target, the government has planned to convert at least 30 percent of the vehicles used in the road transport sector into electric motor vehicles,” he said.
The minister said the Road Transport and Highways Division has already formulated policies governing the registration and operation of electric vehicles.
He added that, to reduce fuel consumption and environmental pollution, the government has approved duty-free import of brand-new electric buses for educational institutions, while imports of such buses for other purposes will be subject to a concessional customs duty of only 15 percent.
Responding to demands raised by lawmakers during the discussion, Shaikh Rabiul Alam said many MPs promise toll exemptions on bridges during election campaigns, but toll collection is a revenue-related matter under the jurisdiction of the Finance Division.
“The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges cannot unilaterally withdraw tolls on any bridge,” he said.
However, he said the possibility of providing toll concessions on smaller bridges could be considered through policy decisions in consultation with the Finance Division.
He added that there is very limited scope for suspending toll collection solely on the recommendation or request of an individual lawmaker.
On demands for additional railway station stops, the minister said there is a specific policy governing stoppages of intercity trains.
“If intercity trains stop at every location, they will lose their distinctive character and fail to serve their purpose of providing fast and efficient transportation,” he said.
